• Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
St Bart’s School
  • Home
  • About Us
      • General Information
      • Welcome from the Headteacher
      • Barts Values
      • School History
      • Exam Results & Destinations
      • Ofsted
      • Introducing our Leadership Team
      • SPACER
      • Policies
      • Staff List with contacts
      • Aerial School Map
      • Facilities for Hire
      • Pupil Premium
      • Charitable Foundation
      • Governance
      • Introducing our Governors
      • Governance Stucture & Responsibilities
      • Company Information
  • School Life
      • General Information
      • Parent Apps
      • School Day
      • Journey to School
      • School Uniform
      • Catering Information and Menu
      • Rewards & Expectations
      • Reporting Absence
      • Equipment List & Property
      • ICT Within School
      • Student Opportunities
      • Co-Curricular Clubs & Activities
      • Careers
      • International Links
      • School Officers
      • Reading & Our Library
      • Trips & Visits
      • Student Voice & Council
      • STEM & Numeracy
      • The Arts
      • Sport
      • Pastoral
      • Houses
      • Personal Development
      • Student Wellbeing
      • Barts Against Bullying
  • Learning
      • General Information
      • Curriculum Overview
      • Subject Overview
      • Learning in Years 7-9
      • Learning in Years 10-11
      • Exam Information
      • SEND / Personalised Learning
      • Stretch & Challenge
      • The Beacon School Programme
      • Subjects
      • 3D Design
      • Applied Science (BTEC)
      • Astronomy
      • Biology
      • Business Studies
      • Chemistry
      • Citizenship Studies
      • Classical Civilisation
      • Computer Science
      • Core Mathematics
      • Dance
      • SPACER
      • Digital Information Technology (BTEC)
      • Drama
      • Economics
      • English
      • English Language (Linguistics)
      • English Literature
      • Environmental Science
      • EPQ
      • Film Studies
      • Fine Art
      • Food Science & Nutrition
      • French
      • SPACER
      • Further Mathematics
      • Geography
      • German
      • Graphic Communication
      • Health & Social Care (BTEC)
      • History
      • Latin
      • Law
      • Mathematics
      • Media Studies
      • Music
      • Music Technology
      • SPACER
      • PE
      • Photography
      • Physics
      • Politics
      • Psychology
      • Religious Studies
      • Sociology
      • Science
      • Spanish
      • Sport (BTEC)
      • Textile Design
  • Sixth Form
    • Introducing our Sixth Form Team
    • Life in the Sixth Form
    • Sixth Form Learning & Enrichment
    • KS5 Options
    • 16-19 Bursary
  • Join Us
      • Join as a Student
      • Year 7 Admissions
      • Year 6 Transition
      • In Year Admissions
      • Sixth Form Admissions
      • Links for New Parents
      • Admissions Appeals
      • Join as Staff
      • Work with us
      • Train with us
      • Get Involved
      • Parents’ Association
      • Alumni
      • St Bartholomew’s School Trust
  • What’s On
    • News & Newsletters
    • Calendar
    • Term Dates
    • Information Evenings
    • Social Wall
    • Open Evenings & School Tours
  • Contact
  • Menu Menu

Diwali: Sixth Formers Share This Festival Of Lights

November 22, 2023

Diwali is a significant festival that is celebrated by millions of people around the world, particularly those of the Hindu and Sikh faiths. The festival, which usually falls in October or November each year, is celebrated over a period of five days and is known as the “Festival of Lights”.  Earlier this month, Mrs Ndagire and Sixth Formers, Avni, Sid, Sash, Shubham, Ayush, Vipul, Aadi and Ani spoke to our Year 12 and Year 13 about the importance of this festival that celebrates India’s diverse cultural heritage. They explained the festival’s traditions and the significance of each day during Diwali. You can read Aadi’s speech in full below.

The name “Diwali” means “rows of lighted lamps” which are lit during the festival. It is a very important holiday in India, representing new beginnings, the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. It’s a time to embrace positive values such as kindness, togetherness, empathy and understanding. Mrs Ndagire spoke of how we can all try to adopt these values in our daily lives and of how small acts of kindness can make a big difference and help us all lead happier and more fulfilling lives.

 

Aadi’s Speech

“Diwali, transcends cultural and regional boundaries, embodying a universal celebration of light prevailing over darkness. This five-day Hindu festival holds a special place, emphasising unity in diversity as different regions infuse their unique customs into the celebration. The festival is a vibrant tapestry of traditions, from the ritualistic oil massages symbolising the triumph of good over evil to the heartfelt offerings made to ancestors.

The significance of each day during Diwali adds depth to the celebration. The second day, Narak-Chaturdashi, commemorates the legend of Lord Krishna slaying the demon Narakasura, leading to a tradition of jubilation. The third day, marked by the new moon, is auspicious for expressing gratitude to ancestors and worshipping Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. This day also serves as the beginning of the new year for some Hindu calendars.

Bali-Pratipada, the next day, symbolises love between husband and wife. It is a day for newly married daughters to be welcomed with special meals and gifts. This auspicious occasion is considered the commencement of the Hindu New Year (in some traditions), marked by the initiation of new ventures, house-warming ceremonies, and even purchases of gold, silver, or property.

The last day of Diwali, Bhai-Dooj, is a poignant celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply tilak (red vermillion) on their brother’s forehead, wave aarti, and offer sweets, while brothers reciprocate with loving presents. Even those without brothers partake in a puja to the Moon God (Chandra).

Diwali also encompasses profound spiritual episodes in other religions, such as Mahavira attaining Nirvana in Jainism and the victory of Guru Hargobind from the designs of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, who had imprisoned him and 52 other princes with him, in Sikhism. These events bridge the rich traditions of Diwali with the spiritual heritage of modern times, creating a festival that resonates with both cultural and spiritual significance. ”

Aadi Gautham Kamath 

 

https://www.stbarts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/diwali-e1700648199640.jpeg 579 1024 stbartssch https://www.stbarts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/blogo-1.png stbartssch2023-11-22 10:17:142024-06-27 16:23:21Diwali: Sixth Formers Share This Festival Of Lights

More News

  • Area Athletics 2025
  • PB and National Ranking For Oscar
  • Belize High Commission Work Experience
  • School Officer Training Weekend At St Cassian’s
  • A Taste of Sixth Form
  • Year 10 Rounders
  • Year 11 Sports Leaders Celebrate their Success
  • Congratulations Eva & Deacon!
  • £1K+ for Staff 10K!
  • Year 10 Cricket
  • Mixed Athletics Relays Festival
  • Year 8 Cricket
  • Thank you Volunteers!
  • Year 8 Fundraising Extravaganza
  • 2025/26 Parents’ Assocation Projects
  • Clean Cut Innovation Win at Regional Finals
  • Year 9 Rounders
  • Year 8 Cricket
  • Year 7 Girls’ Cricket
  • Year 7 Boys’ Cricket

St Bartholomew’s School, Andover Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 6JP

Telephone: 01635 521255 | Email: office@stbarts.co.uk | Full Staff Contact List
Y7-Y11 Attendance: 01635 576372 | Y12/13 Attendance: 01635 576366
Privacy Notice for Students | Privacy Notice for Staff

© Copyright 2024 St Bart’s School l Proudly built by Lemongrass Media School Website Design
BartholoNews 22 November 2023Children in Need At St Bart’s
Scroll to top
  • Home
  • About Us
    • General Information
    • Welcome from the Headteacher
    • Barts Values
    • School History
    • Exam Results & Destinations
    • Ofsted
    • Introducing our Leadership Team
    • SPACER
    • Policies
    • Staff List with contacts
    • Aerial School Map
    • Facilities for Hire
    • Pupil Premium
    • Charitable Foundation
    • Governance
    • Introducing our Governors
    • Governance Stucture & Responsibilities
    • Company Information
    • Back
  • School Life
    • General Information
    • Parent Apps
    • School Day
    • Journey to School
    • School Uniform
    • Catering Information and Menu
    • Rewards & Expectations
    • Reporting Absence
    • Equipment List & Property
    • ICT Within School
    • Student Opportunities
    • Co-Curricular Clubs & Activities
    • Careers
    • International Links
    • School Officers
    • Reading & Our Library
    • Trips & Visits
    • Student Voice & Council
    • STEM & Numeracy
    • The Arts
    • Sport
    • Pastoral
    • Houses
    • Personal Development
    • Student Wellbeing
    • Barts Against Bullying
    • Back
  • Learning
    • General Information
    • Curriculum Overview
    • Subject Overview
    • Learning in Years 7-9
    • Learning in Years 10-11
    • Exam Information
    • SEND / Personalised Learning
    • Stretch & Challenge
    • The Beacon School Programme
    • Subjects
    • 3D Design
    • Applied Science (BTEC)
    • Astronomy
    • Biology
    • Business Studies
    • Chemistry
    • Citizenship Studies
    • Classical Civilisation
    • Computer Science
    • Core Mathematics
    • Dance
    • SPACER
    • Digital Information Technology (BTEC)
    • Drama
    • Economics
    • English
    • English Language (Linguistics)
    • English Literature
    • Environmental Science
    • EPQ
    • Film Studies
    • Fine Art
    • Food Science & Nutrition
    • French
    • SPACER
    • Further Mathematics
    • Geography
    • German
    • Graphic Communication
    • Health & Social Care (BTEC)
    • History
    • Latin
    • Law
    • Mathematics
    • Media Studies
    • Music
    • Music Technology
    • SPACER
    • PE
    • Photography
    • Physics
    • Politics
    • Psychology
    • Religious Studies
    • Sociology
    • Science
    • Spanish
    • Sport (BTEC)
    • Textile Design
    • Back
  • Sixth Form
    • Introducing our Sixth Form Team
    • Life in the Sixth Form
    • Sixth Form Learning & Enrichment
    • KS5 Options
    • 16-19 Bursary
    • Back
  • Join Us
    • Join as a Student
    • Year 7 Admissions
    • Year 6 Transition
    • In Year Admissions
    • Sixth Form Admissions
    • Links for New Parents
    • Admissions Appeals
    • Join as Staff
    • Work with us
    • Train with us
    • Get Involved
    • Parents’ Association
    • Alumni
    • St Bartholomew’s School Trust
    • Back
  • What’s On
    • News & Newsletters
    • Calendar
    • Term Dates
    • Information Evenings
    • Social Wall
    • Open Evenings & School Tours
    • Back
  • Contact
X